Diffractive Optical Element Head-Up Display for Compact Vehicle Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-up displays in motor vehicles require significant installation space due to the need for complex mirror optics to correct image geometry and windshield curvature, limiting their compactness and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A compact head-up display design is achieved by using a diffractive optical element that can be positioned and rotated to influence the beam path, potentially supplemented with additional mirrors and catadioptric elements, allowing for adjustable and adaptable optical correction without the need for extensive space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex mirror optics with freeform surfaces are used to correct image geometry and windshield curvature, then image distortion is corrected, but installation space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical mirror optics with diffractive optical elements (DOEs) that use diffraction effects to achieve the same image correction function. The DOE corrects image geometry and windshield curvature effects through its diffractive structure rather than requiring complex mirror surfaces, significantly reducing the space needed for the optical correction system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using diffractive optical elements with specific diffraction patterns that can correct image geometry errors. By adjusting the diffraction order and DOE design parameters, the system achieves image correction without requiring large complex mirror assemblies, thus reducing installation space while maintaining correction precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple mirrors with freeform surfaces are arranged to compensate for eye-correction parameters, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple correction functions into a single diffractive optical element that simultaneously corrects image geometry, windshield curvature, and eye-correction parameters (astigmatism, disparity, coma). This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate mirrors and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive correction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive optical element is designed to perform multiple correction functions universally - it can correct various types of optical distortions including image geometry errors, windshield curvature effects, and eye-specific parameters like astigmatism and coma, all through a single optical component rather than requiring specialized mirrors for each correction type.
3Manufacturing precision
If large optical systems are used to magnify and correct the image, then image quality is maintained, but the cockpit space available for other functional elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional large-scale mechanical optical systems with compact diffractive optical elements that achieve the same image magnification and correction functions in a much smaller footprint. This allows the head-up display system to maintain high image quality while occupying minimal cockpit space, leaving room for other essential vehicle functional elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enables a compact and adaptable display that compensates for windshield tolerances and curvatures, providing an undistorted virtual image while minimizing space requirements, and can be further optimized with multiple diffractive optical elements and aspherical mirrors.
Implementation Method 1
When a diffractive optical element is used as the optical element influencing the beam path, it is possible to eliminate distortion in a particularly effective manner
Implementation Method 2
an optical system having a plurality of spatially arranged mirrors with freeform surfaces is used in the prior art. The mirror or mirrors must correct the influence of the curvature of the windshield on the image
Implementation Method 3
the matching to the windshield can be further improved if one or more of the mirrors is aspherical
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for representing optical information by means of a virtual image (P), in particular in a motor vehicle. The optical information is in the form of light beams extending from an image generating device (1), over at least one optical element to a surface and the virtual image is visible in front of, behind or in said surface. The light beams produce a beam path. Said invention is characterised in that an optical element (4), which influences beams, is arranged in the beam path between the image generating device (1, 2, 3) and the surface (WS), and that the optical element (4), which influences the beams, is arranged in the position thereof such that it can be modified by means of an adjusting device (5).